Liberty Hospital laying off 129 workers

Hospital points to federally mandated healthcare changes in 2014

Liberty Hospital is laying off 129 workers, citing upcoming federal changes in health care and Missouri's decision not to expand Medicaid in the state.

In a news release, the hospital said it was looking for ways to cut expenses by $20 million. The layoffs represent 7.6 percent of the hospital's workforce.

"In 2014 the Affordable Care Act will reduce payments to hospitals from Medicare. Hospitals also will experience reduced payments due to the lack of an expansion to the Medicaid program and growing bad debt due to patients being forced to manage increased out-of-pocket costs in the form of deductibles, co-pays and insurance premiums. The healthcare reforms, which began affecting hospitals in 2010, already have encouraged hospitals to focus on fiscal responsibility and to find ways to balance revenue loss with patient care," according to a statement from the hospital.

The hospital said that the cutbacks are occurring through May 24. In addition to staff reductions, the hospital said task forces charged with looking for ways to cut 20 million from the budget recommended eliminating the hospital-funded transportation program and closing its wound clinic.

Employees described their reaction to the decision as feelings of anger and betrayal.

"I think it's a shame because, for some reason, companies think that's the first thing they do, they cut labor," said patient Barbara Womack.

"Making a reduction is never an easy thing to do, but I think we have to be smart about how we're spending that money and how were best serving the community," said hospital spokeswoman Julie Simpson.

She said the Medicaid decision leaves the hospital in a tough position.

"(Patients) will still be coming to the hospitals and physicians to receive care," she said. "Hospitals and physicians simply won't be paid for that."

Amy Stone worked as telemetry nurse at the hospital for eight years until she was let go Tuesday. She said she feels betrayed by the decision.

"I'm really saddened for my hospital, but i think it's more of a management problem more than anything else," she said. "It has to be."

Among the belongings she took with her Tuesday were letters of appreciation from patients she has treated at the hospital. She said she was sad as she collected her things to leave for the last time and worries about her patients.

"They're just not going to get the care they deserve," she said.

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